The law, first passed in 1994, makes it easier to prosecute domestic violence crimes in federal court and now provides extended coverage to immigrants, gays and lesbians. NBC’s Brian Williams reports.

The White House

This content comes from Closed Captioning that was broadcast along with this program.

>>>also today, the president signed a reauthorization of the
violence against women act
, first passed back in
1994
. but recently held up because of budget fighting, of all things. the law makes it easier to prosecute
domestic violence
crimes in
federal court
, provides funding for services, including battered women's shelters and hotlines. during today's ceremony, the president said, quote, all women have the right to live free from fear.